esigner stores, endless racks of silk and fine wool, the s

r this

d for deception-a carefully curated illusion meant to he

st of the choices. She seemed to know exactly what would impress, what would flatter, and s

s. Every piece fit like it had been made for me alone. Cinched waists, flowing skirts, soft fabrics that draped my figu

and style my hair to match my "new i

curls that framed my face perfectly. They made my eyes pop, softened the

'd had the night before. I'd called the hospital first thing, despera

, I got

tal," the nurse said calmly over the phone. "A bett

sba

l didn't sit r

le environment now," the nurse c

least she was safe. Cared for. No longer surro

nder, I was sure. But still... it

unloading the last of my shopping bags. Lucy came out to greet

p you unpack and get ready. Mr. Blackwood is home, b

urse,

traced the curve of my throat like a whisper. The fabric was soft and delicate, the lines sleek against my figure. I ran my f

t recogn

self differently. She looked like a woman who had wal

man, yet somehow, I looked like

led me from

oom, then paused. Her eyes widened with o

she stepped closer and gently touche

softly, chuckling under m

e to inform you... Mr. Bl

thought he wa

tepmother arrived a few hour

oze.

ife. They're having brunch in the gard

art sk

arrived?

he'd mentione

it was happening fa

here now

Would you like

'll be dow

the mirror. Whatever this meeting would be, I neede

Blac

ified girl be

of my mules echoing against the marble flo

neared the garden,

rp.

k up and tell your mom to

opped

voice was lac

oice feminine, older

k good care of you when your mother die

who drank wine at noon and spoke with a silver

pped c

h table. The moment they saw me, their c

th a strange mix of surprise

er stood

and for a brief second

, and leaned in to press a kiss on the side of my face.

ct. But God... he

proud voice, "I want you to meet

fro

n my lips al

atr

ummeted into

stay. My eyes flicked toward the older

lue eyes, like she was trying to see t

moment, every

why he'd

tric

believe I was

ng I suppose. The one I h

e. He should've told me beforehand

composure, but ins

ound my waist with a subtle warning press